Burton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Building department fee overhaul
The first fee schedule update in years was adopted. Some fees remain below neighboring communities' but now cover the city's costs, and the council committed to reviewing fees annually or biannually.
City Council Travel Policy
Burton has never had a formal travel policy for council members, who attend national conferences on taxpayer dollars. The draft covers mileage, parking, meals, lodging, and reimbursement timing — with the biggest fight over how quickly members get paid back for out-of-pocket expenses.
Veterans Honor Run
The November 14 race is officially a City of Burton Parks and Rec event (created by commission vote in 2012), and the chair wants that clear for marketing. Volunteers and sponsors are still needed.
2028-2030 CDBG funds
The council set a November 16 public hearing on the call for projects for 2028-2030 Community Development Block Grant funds.
$565,000 Local Street Fund amendment and exhausted 50/50 match money
The council put $565,000 more into road repavement, but Mayor Haskins warned the 50/50 sidewalk/road matching fund is now empty — future matches will need new money.
Closed-session confidentiality
Council Member Heffner warned colleagues after details of a closed-session discussion appeared on Facebook, reminding the body that what's said in closed session must stay there.
New gas tax distribution and marijuana revenue
The city received $421,000 under the state's new gas tax formula, but the mayor is still clarifying whether it folds in marijuana revenue that previously brought the city close to $600,000 for local roads.
Back to the Bricks banner cost sharing
This year's cruise went smoothly — no major fights, manageable trash, and new bike and foot police patrols. The board agreed to split the $600 banner cost, paying $300.
Southmoor Golf Course purchase collapse and lawsuit
The seller backed out of closing and the city is suing to recover about $300,000 in taxpayer money paid toward the purchase.
Expanded parks and rec programming and event budget tracking
The parks budget is up about $450,000 largely tied to the anticipated property acquisition, and council added $10,000 for community events and raised grounds maintenance funding to $50,000 ahead of the grant-funded expansion.
Employee health insurance cost-sharing change
The council scrapped the 80/20 insurance model in favor of a hard cap after rates were set to jump nearly 17%. Mayor Haskins said the change will save employees significantly at no added cost to the city.
250th Anniversary Banner Poles
Councilmen Heffner and Johns pitched a June 14 Flag Day celebration with an ice cream social, flag etiquette and kids' activities, funded by a state America 250 grant under $5,000. It goes back on the next agenda.
Rubbish fuel surcharge costs passed to residents
Heffner said Emterra misses streets and entire neighborhoods every week and asked the city attorney what constitutes breach of contract. The amendment covers a fuel surcharge in the hauler's contract.
Possible BS&A Cloud software mandate
Council Member Ellenburg warned the city could be forced to move to BS&A Cloud within about five years, potentially costing $250,000 to $750,000. The council will wait for a sunset date from the vendor before earmarking money.
New city website launch
IT Director Ryan Bertram reported the new city website is in final content migration checks, with department head training scheduled before launch. Resident notification features will be built into the new site.
911 Consortium technology upgrade cost
Genesee County 911 is exploring AI to sort true emergencies from duplicate or minor calls — a fix for the flood of calls when one wreck generates dozens of dials.
Cancellation of ERC contract
The council voted 6-0 to cancel the city's contract with ERC and told the administration to take whatever steps are needed. No details were discussed publicly about what ERC does or what the financial impact might be.
Motor pool fleet and rising insurance costs
The mayor and residents praised road crews but warned aging trucks keep breaking down, delaying plowing. New equipment is on order but slow to arrive.
Replacement of election voting equipment
Burton's voting equipment is at the end of its 10-year life and the state requires replacement. New tabulators run about $15,000 each, and the city budgeted $180,000 for roughly 13 pieces of equipment — softened by consolidating from 12 precincts to 7.
Insurance cost spikes in proposed budget
The city's share of property and liability insurance jumped from $152,000 to $538,000, and health insurance is up about 18%. Other municipalities are seeing the same, and shopping around didn't produce better rates.
Council Vice President Gary Wines resigns
Wines resigned effective immediately because his family outgrew its home and couldn't find a replacement within Burton. The council will need to fill his seat, likely at a future meeting.
Census committee formed
The council created a Census Committee — chaired by Kris Johns with Conley and Heffner — aiming to push the population past 30,000, with one resident urging the committee reach people who don't attend council meetings.
Nathaniel Group lobbying agreement
The city is hiring a DC lobbying firm to chase state and federal grants, with the Southmoor redevelopment as the top target. Supporters say representation in Washington brings priority funding; the council president worries about paying consultants who deliver nothing.
Budget workshop dates set for May
The finance chair proposed budget meeting dates running about two and a half weeks, May 4-20, and asked council to flag conflicts.
2026 Property Assessment Notices and 2.7% Inflation Multiplier
Assessment notices are out. Under Proposal A, the state set the 2026 inflation multiplier at 2.7% — it's not a tax bill, and the assessor's office will answer questions.
Missing $1,000 Parks and Rec transfer
The board authorized $1,000 for Parks and Rec holiday activities back in October, but it still isn't showing on the books. Staff is tracking down whether it was actually moved.
Outdated DDA bylaws
The DDA's bylaws date to 1981 and still call the group an Economic Development Corporation. Updating them matters because the rules that govern how the board spends tax dollars and operates should match reality.
Emergency DPW electrical failure and budget amendment
The city's main electrical transmission lines shorted out over the holidays, knocking out the DPW building's entire system. Consumers Energy and contractor Goyette worked around the clock, with replacement lines ordered from Indiana. The council approved $80,896.24 to pay the first bill, but more are coming and the cause — and whether the city can be reimbursed — is still undetermined.